Hitcherson is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the baptismal name Richard. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Hitcherson family

The surname Hitcherson was first found in Staffordshire at Hixon, a village in the borough of Stafford. The places dates back to before the Domesday Book[1]CITATION[CLOSE]Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) where it was listed as Hustedone and was held by the Bishop of Chester. By 1130, the village was named Hutchtesdona. The place was derived from the Old English personal name "Hick" + "dun" and literally means "hill of a man called Hydt". [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)

Early History of the Hitcherson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hitcherson research.Another 179 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 138 and 1381 are included under the topic Early Hitcherson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hitcherson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Hitcherson have been found, including Hickson, Hixon and others.

Early Notables of the Hitcherson family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Hitcherson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hitcherson family to Ireland

Some of the Hitcherson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hitcherson family to the New World and Oceana

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Hitcherson, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Joe and Ralph Hixon, who arrived in Virginia in 1642; Geo. Hickson, who arrived in Virginia in 1657; Anne Hickson, who settled in Maryland in 1741; Benjamin Hickson, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1760.

The Hitcherson Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.